Denton advises opting for a lightweight liquid formula when choosing a summer-appropriate concealer. “Pick a peach-toned concealer if you’re fairer skinned or slightly orange if your complexion is deeper—these tones will banish any blue or purple tones from dark circles and lift the face without the need for layering products on a hot day,” he explains, noting Giorgio Armani’s classic formula as a go-to for clients. Victoria Beckham Beauty and Kosas offer hydrating liquid formulas enriched with skin-loving ingredients like squalane and peptides. Meanwhile, Tom Ford Beauty delivers a humidity-proof option designed to withstand even the hottest days—no slipping, no creasing.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
The Concealer Pen with
Step Four: Add Sun-Kissed Flush
When curating a 10-minute makeup routine, make your blush work double—or even triple—duty by applying it wherever the sun naturally hits: the high points of your face, like cheeks, temples, and eyelids. Liquid or stick blushes are exceptionally versatile, as cheek color, a soft wash of shadow, and even a subtle lip tint. “Pop some color on your cheeks (I use Merit’s Flush Balm), on your eyes and lips for a monochromatic, fresh-faced look,” says Beukelman. The pros recommend warm tones—soft orange-reds, peach, and terracotta—for a sun-kissed effect. Rhode’s pocket blush is a viral favorite among editors and celebs. Meanwhile, Saie’s liquid blush delivers long-wearing color with a luminous finish. Prefer powder? Westman Atelier’s blush and bronzer duo offers a two-in-one palette that blends seamlessly and builds beautifully.
Step Five: Swipe on a Brown Mascara
Curled lashes and a few coats of mascara should never be underestimated in a beauty look. “Curling your lashes will make you look instantly more awake,” says DeBratto. For summer, consider swapping your go-to black mascara for something softer. “Swap out your black mascara for a clear or brown one,” says Beukelman, noting that brown formulas create a more natural effect and pair seamlessly with lightweight coverage. “You still get that long lash look, just in a softer shade,” Ilia founder Sasha Plavsic previously told Vogue, speaking on the brand’s popular brown mascara launch. Tower28, another clean beauty favorite, also offers a brown mascara ideal for minimalist routines. Prefer an ultra-natural finish? Ere Perez’s clear formula, infused with aloe, pulls double duty as mascara and brow gel.
Step Six: Set, Spray, and Go!
For the ultimate summer makeup look, always think dewy not oily. “To maintain a dewy look in the heat, I like to place a little loose translucent powder with a makeup puff wherever a little extra oil control is needed, and then, instead of blending it out with a brush, I like to melt it into the skin with a setting spray or face mist,” says Beukelman. “It gives the makeup the most beautiful finish, keeping the skin fresh and dewy.” Westman Atelier’s translucent pressed powder delivers a clean-ingredient formula in a sleek compact for shine control that won’t dull your glow. Prefer loose powder? Ami Colé’s talc-free version offers a lightweight, blur-effect finish. When it comes to setting mists with skin-care benefits, Ilia’s formula locks in your look while protecting against pollution. For an extra hit of hydration, Tatcha’s cult-favorite dewy mist refreshes with hyaluronic acid, red algae, Japanese camellia oil, and biomimetic squalane.
Step Seven: Dealer’s Choice—Finish with A Juicy Lip!
Elevate your look with a juicy lip that actually stays put. The pros recommend waterproof lip liner pencils or long-wear lip tints used as a liner for a smudge-proof pout. “You can apply lip stains as liner where you would usually apply your lip liner, following the highest points of volume on the lip, from the cupid’s bow to the base of your bottom lip,” DeBratto previously told Vogue. For added shine, layer on your favorite balm or gloss—think of it as a glazed top coat. Your lip stain or waterproof liner stays locked underneath. Make Up For Ever’s waterproof version of the Artist Pencil (a Bella Hadid favorite) delivers a bold, lasting definition. Otherwise, Billie Eilish swears by Sacheu’s lip stain for just-bitten color. For a more hydrating finish, Chanel’s baume adds sheer tint and a satin finish, while Lawless Beauty’s plumping gloss delivers high shine and plumping volume in a single swipe.
Meet The Experts
- Erica Beukelman is a professional hair stylist and makeup artist with over 15 years of experience based between California and Tennessee.
- Kiersten Chambers is hair and makeup artist based in Nashville, with over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry.
- El DeBratto is a non-binary New York-based editorial makeup artist whose clients include Coco Rocha, Flower Beauty, Kristin Ess, and Glamour Magazine.
- Andrew Denton is a London based celebrity makeup artist. Denton’sclients include Cate Blanchett, Claudia Schiffer, Adriana Lima and Phoebe Dynevor, Amanda Harlech, and Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer.
- Anastasia Vavina is a professional makeup artist and hairstylist based in New York. In addition to working closely with major model agencies, Vavina's work has been featured in Numero Netherlands, Elle, and more.
